I think I've decided on a final tier list

explanations -

>Ironeye
far and away the best. Has an argument for the best skill, art and passive in the game, gets safe and consistent ranged damage, can even run a melee dex build in a pinch or a mixed range/melee build if you get bad luck with bows or need a certain element. Only true flaw is bad HP but he more than makes up for it.

>Wylder
Mr. Consistency, run any build, use any weapon. Gets to move around the map faster than any character thanks to his skill, his art is the best for stagger and his passive is basically an extra life.

>Executor
while his skill unfortunately isnt optimal to use in most places in a run and his passive is worthless, S scaling in dex and arcane is still too good + his art is basically a "survive for free" button.
>Raider
He has two really unfortunate design choices, the first is his special moveset actually is way worse than the standard and the lingering rock from his art is usually more of a downside than an upside. Because of this he usually ends up getting outclassed by Wylder since due to low dex and his moveset the only way he actually will outDPS Wylder in is power-stanced colossal weapons or UGSs. However in this role he's extremely competent and his high health and poise make him the most unga character.
>Duchess
I used to think less of her but she actually gets a lot of build options with mixed dex/int scaling and her enhanced dodge makes up for her low health especially if you pick up the enhanced dodge buff, she can basically mash her way out of damage at that point. Probably the worst Art in the game but her skill is crazy good especially with a team where someone has a broken weapon art like from Mogh's spear.

cont.